Míriel's death - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Macalaure · 05-16-2006, 01:12 PM

Blessed be the Search Function. I was close to opening a new thread about Miriel's decision.

In the Later Quenta Silmarillion in Morgoth's Ring we read that by marrying Indis Finwe accepted the marring of Arda, and we may argue, that this action was the cause for many evils that followed.

But Miriel made a decision as well, maybe not in dying, but in refusing to ever return from Mandos, even after being asked twice. Though I would say that Miriel's pain was graver than Finwes discontent about being unmarried, didn't Miriel accept the marring, too? (as Maedhros' quote suggests)

Yet, Tolkien lets her say the famous: "But hold me blameless in this, and in all that may come after."

How do you see this?

If we are able to blame Finwe, shouldn't we be able to blame Miriel as well, at least to a little extend?
I think this would be a stronger statement than just "She made a fault in this matter".

05-16-2006, 01:12 PM	#16
Macalaure Fading Fëanorion Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: into the flood again Posts: 2,911	Blessed be the Search Function. I was close to opening a new thread about Miriel's decision. In the Later Quenta Silmarillion in Morgoth's Ring we read that by marrying Indis Finwe accepted the marring of Arda, and we may argue, that this action was the cause for many evils that followed. But Miriel made a decision as well, maybe not in dying, but in refusing to ever return from Mandos, even after being asked twice. Though I would say that Miriel's pain was graver than Finwes discontent about being unmarried, didn't Miriel accept the marring, too? (as Maedhros' quote suggests) Yet, Tolkien lets her say the famous: "But hold me blameless in this, and in all that may come after." How do you see this? If we are able to blame Finwe, shouldn't we be able to blame Miriel as well, at least to a little extend? I think this would be a stronger statement than just "She made a fault in this matter".